On weekdays during the season of Lent, we post daily meditations on our website, and on Saturdays we include a piece of music, as well. These songs are submitted by parish family members and friends of Christ Church, and meant to uplift, comfort, and inspire. We hope that you enjoy.   We Only Need to Follow Christ. When we look at the landscape of our youth, we often see lost souls.  Remember that He draws His children, and it is refreshing to know that in the search for answers, this younger generation is finding that the answer lies in Christ.  This song states that very process.  Listen and rejoice for He will not forsake a single one!   I got a front row seat to the madness I pick up my phone every morning out of habit I've been fiendin' for the drama, yeah, I said it I'm addicted to the rush, need a medic When I take a step back I can see it All the pain, all the fear we've been feeling Losing sight of the thing that we're needing That we're needing   {Chorus} Honestly, I think we just need Jesus Honestly, I think we just need Jesus Have we all gone mad? Have we lost our minds? What used to be wrong we say that it's right Honestly, I think we just need Jеsus   Take a good long look in the mirror Search my hеart and soul, make it clearer Help me take Your love, trade the bitter Leave it in the dust, help me leave it in the dust, Lord We've been preaching, we've been drinking in the vanity (In the vanity) Now it's got us questioning our sanity (Sanity) And we wonder how we get all this anxiety It's clear to me {Chorus}   We turn away (We turn away) We're running back to You (Oh-oh) Covered in grace (Covered in grace) God, You can make us new (Make us new) We turn away (We turn away) We're running back to You (Oh-oh) Covered in grace (Covered in grace) God, You can make us new, ohh {Chorus}   Oh, Jesus (Jesus, Jesus, Jesus) We're running back, we're running back to You We need You, Jesus, oh We're running back, we're running back to You We're running back, we're running back to You (Jesus, Jesus, Jesus) We're running back to You, oh, yeah (Jesus, Jesus, Jesus) Make us new   Written by: Toby Mckeehan, Matthew Daniel Hammitt, Terrian Woods, Riley Lee Friesen

Most of us would like to be "healthier" in many ways, but we also know how difficult it can be to begin the journey, so Christ Church is making it a little easier. Jane Adams, Christ Church parishioner and certified instructor, leads a basic exercise class every Saturday morning, a way to comfortably and safely get your body accustomed to a path of fitness and good health. She will provide resistance bands and all other accessories needed for this hour-long session; all you need to do is wear comfortable sportswear and sneakers, and bring a bottle of water. Gather with us this Saturday morning at 10:00 in the lower level of New Brick, and get started on the road to exercise under the guidance of a professional who can help you listen to and respect your body's sensations, adjusting your practice without forcing it. With regular exercise, your physical and mental abilities will naturally and steadily improve.   #ahealthieryou   #exercise   #ANEWYOU   #anewyoufitness   #starttoday   #hocomd   #episcomd   #columbiamaryland

I wonder if you remember the nature of relationships that you have had over the years and what impact they have had on you. Over the years, I have given myself the chance to reflect on one that had this profound effect on me. We met at vacation classes during our three-month summer break when I was a rising 9th grader. Back in those days, the school year calendar was similar to what we have in the United States. In the United States, the academic year began in mid- to late August and ended in May. The schedule in Ghana was from mid- to late September to late May. We had a long summer break, and instead of secondary students being at home doing nothing, we signed up for vacation classes at local secondary schools. These vacation classes were simply an opportunity for kids from other secondary schools to meet, get to know each other, hang out, and be teenagers. I don’t think any of the kids did any serious academic work. All that we did was hang out, make new friends, and find new relationships. It was at one of these classes that I met this girl who took a great interest in me. I would say that I was very surprised that someone would be interested in me. We both attended prestigious secondary schools, but she was very well-mannered, respectful, and smart. And I was this little rascal who was very truant. Why was she interested in me? What was it about me that made her want to sing Roses are Red, and Violets are Blue to me? It felt very, very strange, if not downright odd, but I guess there was something about me that intrigued her. I never asked what it was, and she never told me - it seemed hidden. Over the years, I have had time to think about it, and whenever that thought comes to mind, I am reminded of a story about Albert Einstein: when he was 6 or 7 years old, his father gave him a compass. Whenever he looked at the compass, he found that a particular pin always pointed north. Einstein was convinced that there may be something invisible that makes this needle always point north. Later on in life, Einstein would argue that if you spend time looking at nature rather carefully, and you are lucky, you can catch a glimpse of something hidden. One of the amazing things I find about Einstein’s thought is when he says that when you look carefully, and you are lucky, you can catch a glimpse of something hidden. This, to me, is the magic in all relationships - taking our time to look carefully just so we can get a glimpse of what is hidden. The fact of the matter is that our impatience gets in the way, and so we cannot look carefully, and because we cannot look carefully, we never get lucky, and because we don’t get lucky, we don’t catch a glimpse of that which is hidden. What seems to be hidden from us is why we are loved, just the way we are. To know why is to catch that glimpse. It is good to know why, but you don’t have to. Knowing why doesn’t change any calculus about why you are loved. Knowing why Janet loved me, just the way I was, probably wouldn’t have changed anything, but it would have provided me with an insight into why I mattered to her.   It is important to understand that all relationships - including our ultimate relationship with God - go through the cycle of harmony, disharmony, and repair. We begin on a great note, experience some disharmony, and then repair it so we can get back into harmony with each other. Another way to look at all relationships is through closeness, disruption, and return. All relationships begin with a sense of closeness; over time, there is a disruption, which may be caused by a variety of things, and then (if possible) we return to being close again. This cycle is notoriously continuous - that is why Lent becomes critically important for our relationship with God, with each other, and even with ourselves. But Lent isn’t supposed to be a 5-week wonder of looking in the mirror, where we encounter ourselves and our brokenness; Lent is supposed to be a permanent part of our lives. This is because through the process of looking in the mirror, we don’t only see who we truly are, but we ask the questions of old: "Why am I loved? Why does God still love me, even in my state?" So, if Lent isn’t about our sins but about the mercy of God, then what we do is seek God’s mercy and invite God to fix all that is broken in us. This is the sweet spot for me - we make up with God, and we promise to chart a new path. It is important to note that we don’t learn the skill of moving from disillusionment, distance, and disruption back to repair and return. It is not a skill that needs to be learned. It is a process. And the first step in that process is getting into your right mind and then asking, "What can I do to fix it?" This is self-awareness. St. Paul would call it the renewing of the mind . It is your epiphany moment, one where things become clear to you because of being aware of yourself. Self-awareness becomes the predicate for the survival of any relationship - with God, with each other, and with ourselves. And each return is based on our ability to be aware of who we are, where we are, and where we need to be. And the spot where we all need to be has always been a place of harmonious relationship with God, with each other, and with ourselves. I once read that A flower doesn’t dream of the bee, it blossoms and the bee comes. To your partner, friend, and loved one with whom you have a relationship or once had a relationship, you can be the flower. You can blossom to the point where you can be so attractive to the bee. You can also, however, be the bee that sees the blossomed flower and is so attracted by it that it cannot stop itself from sitting on the flower. In many ways, God is that constant blossomed flower, always ready to welcome the bee - you and I. God doesn’t ask us who we are, where we have been, or what we have been doing. But like Janet, God keeps God's relationship with us going by simply singing to us this beautiful song: Roses are Red, and Violets are Blue. Manny+

Lord, help me to live This day, quietly, easily, To lean upon Thy great Strength, trustfully Restfully To wait for the Unfolding of Thy will, patiently, Serenely. To meet others Peacefully, joyously. To face tomorrow, Confidently, Courageously. ~ St. Francis of Assisi   #lent   #Lent2026   #stfrancis   #StFrancisOfAssisi   #episcomd   #hocomd   #columbiamaryland   #howardcountymd   #episcopal   #episcopalian   #episcopalchurch

The first session of our beloved Wednesday Evening Lenten Supper series was very well-attended in person, with more joining us on Zoom. Thanks to Bishop Robert Ihloff for sparking an insightful discussion on our 2026 Spiritual Life Theme, "Building Relationships through LOVE," and thanks to the WOCC for providing a wonderful meal. A brief Eucharist closed out the evening, and everyone went home, nourished in several ways. Join us next Wednesday, March 5, as we welcome our Rector Emeritus, The Reverend Richard A. Ginnever, sharing his perspective on our Spiritual Life Theme. The meal will be provided by Christ Church Outreach. Thanks to Toni and Yetti for the fantastic photos!   #lent   #Lent2026   #churchdinner   #lentenseries   #wednesdaysinlent   #episcomd   #howardcountymd   #episcopalchurch   #columbiamaryland

Each Thursday, Christ Church offers a midday Healing Eucharist in Old Brick. The Rev. Marcia Davenport will lead this week's service of readings, prayers, a litany for healing, and the Holy Eucharist. Parishioners and community members are all welcome to join in a prayerful time in the presence of God, and to share in the wonderful mystery of God’s love whilst we seek healing for ourselves and our loved ones. Please come in to reflect, pray, and participate in a service held in our beautiful, historic chapel.   #healingeucharist   #lent   #HealingTogether   #episcopal   #episcomd   #churchlife   #church   #hocomd   #howardcountymd

Learn What It’s Like to Volunteer at a Somos Amigos Clinic When Founder Frank Brightwell Visits Christ Church this Sunday, March 1 We’ll have several opportunities this Sunday to learn about life in the Dominican Republic and how Christ Church supports Somos Amigos Medical Missions in its work. Founder and Executive Director Frank Brightwell will deliver the sermon during the 8 a.m. and 10:30 worship services and conduct Sunday Circle this Sunday, March 1.   His visit to Christ Church has become an annual tradition, in part because of the depth of our support. It includes dedicated volunteers, monetary and spiritual support, and life-changing efforts for patients Euclides, Emilio, and Franci (in photos) .   You can read about Euclides’ diagnosis of colon cancer in the Outreach Blog of May 29, 2025 and about his recovery in the Outreach Blog of Jan. 29, 2026 . You’ll recall that Emilio required high-tech hearing aids and Franci needed heart surgery, as described in the Outreach Blog of Nov. 14, 2024 and the Outreach Blog of Oct. 27, 2022 . Thanks to all whose prayers lifted up these patients over the years. Regular volunteers are Dione and Jim Mahoney, and Dione’s sister and brother-in-law, D esiree and Jorge Arce. All are expected to attend the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday; catch them afterward to ask about their  experiences. Other parishioners who have volunteered include Outreach member Shahra Toth and physicians Ellen Boudreau and Preethi Jackson.   Somos Amigos holds quarterly clinics. Future dates are April 11-18, July 11-18, and Oct. 10-17, 2026. Go here  for volunteer information.   In an interview for a Somos Amigos newsletter during the January 2026 clinic, the Mahoneys described their motivation:   “For us, Somos Amigos represents the belief that even if we cannot do everything, we can always do something—and that something truly does make a difference. Through many years of returning to the clinic, serving especially in the pharmacy and working closely with the wonderful doctors and staff, we have witnessed the dedication behind the much-needed medical and dental care provided to the rural community of El Naranjito.   “ What makes this experience so meaningful is that it is truly a two-way street. The warmth and openness of the people who live here leave a lasting impression, and together—patients and volunteers—we experience healing, learning, joy, resilience, faith, and gratitude. Each visit is deeply fulfilling and enriching, reminding us that serving others also transforms and strengthens us in ways we never expect.” DreamBuilders Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction is Coming Up VERY Soon! - March 14 Come enjoy a spaghetti dinner and bid on a wide and wonderful variety of items and activities, all in support of DreamBuilders. This is our largest fundraising event of the year, with proceeds helping fund our building projects. We will need lots of help to make this event a success, and we are looking for donations for the auction, too. The event takes place on Saturday, March 14, from 5 - 8 p.m. at Temple Isaiah - 12200 Scaggsville Rd, Fulton, MD 20759. Here are a few words from DreamBuilders: "After building another 3 houses in the summer of 2025, we are excited to do it once more in 2026, and we need YOU! The work we are able to accomplish is directly tied to our number of missioners and our available funds. The money we raise at the spaghetti dinner enables our partner organizations to acquire the materials that make these blitz builds possible. The more money we raise, the more houses we can build, and the more families will have a place to call home. Whatever you are able to give, come join in this wonderful event and meet all the wonderful people who are part of the DreamBuilders community!" Some suggested things you could provide: Sports Tickets Theater/special event tickets Vacation Getaways Artwork Memorabilia Themed baskets Jewelry Fine wine Children’s items Pet sitting services Odd job services Boat/Kayak trips Gift certificates to local restaurants Ask your favorite businesses to donate to this event and mission! If you have an item you would like to donate, please speak with Cathy Gold at church on Sunday or email info@christchurchcolumbia.org ,  and we will put you in touch with her. Thanks! Please Bring Diapers, Non-Perishables for CCC/FISH, And Consider Volunteering from Home to Take Phone Calls From Neighbors in Need FISH and Columbia Community Care (CCC) partnered last year and merged their pantries. CCC continues to hand out food at three sites on Saturday mornings and by home delivery to Howard County residents. For information, go online to Get Help . Find CCC updates on its Facebook page . FISH continues to pick up donated goods from Christ Church and others. Please put non-perishable food and personal care products in the altar basket or in a bin just inside the Parish Hall. Look for a combo label “FISH/CCC”. Please bring baby wipes and diapers, especially large sizes. FISH will continue to provide telephone support to Howard County residents, offering guidance and financial assistance, because the personal touch is very important when people are in crisis. For information, ask parishioner and FISH treasurer Andy DeLong (above photo) or email him at andydelong.fish@gmail.com . You could be the one to lend a helping hand by lending an ear! As a phone volunteer, you can help from your home by giving just one day a month to assist those who could benefit from financial assistance from FISH. Training is provided. Thank you always for your support. Kenya Connect 5k Run - March 28 Kenya Connect, an outreach partner of St. John's in Ellicott City, is holding its 12th annual 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, March 28th, at St. John's. The 5K builds community while supporting the work of  Kenya Connect  to provide children with options and new pathways in rural Kenya.  We welcome individual participants or a team from Christ Church. We will have post-race goodies, including a Kenyan crafts market with items made by women and men in our village. We also provide hand-carved medallions from Wamunyu to the top three women and men in all age categories.  In general, if you have suggestions about ways to help the community, if you want to get involved, or if you need assistance, please email Christ Church Outreach at outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org . Your help is greatly welcomed and appreciated. Thank you.

Reaching Out to Others in Love When our lofty words of love have been emptied of their meaning, When our borders and computer screens have erected impenetrable walls, When our minds are so quick to conflate "other" with "enemy," How will we find our common humanity? It's never too late to make an earnest and tender start. May we remove from our pockets the stones we intended to throw And cement them together to build a home that welcomes all. May we repent of our indifference and move into genuine encounter. Instead of drawing battle lines, May we draw our chairs up to a communal table, Where we can feast in the knowledge of our shared dignity. May God grant us the holy vision To see every human being a sacred mystery, And may we love each mystery not abstractly, but concretely. Just as Thomas touched the wounds of Jesus, May we be unafraid to touch the wounds of our suffering neighbor. May we lay down our arms and offer our outstretched hands, Until there is no "them," but only "us," Until we are at last, sisters and brothers, all. Amen.   ~ A Prayer for Living "Fratelli Tutti"   #lent   #lentenmeditation   #meditation   #lentprayer   #episcomd   #hocomd   #columbiamaryland   #episcopal   #episcopalian

Each year, the WELS at Christ Church is one of the most enriching experiences of the season, offering five weeks of insightful, life-transforming seminars. Kicking off the series this Wednesday, February 25, is the Right Reverend Robert Ihloff. Bishop Ihloff will share his thoughts on our 2026 Spiritual Life Theme, "Building Relationships through Love." We begin each evening at 6:30 p.m. with a communal supper in the Great Hall - each week, a different Christ Church ministry group provides the meal (this week, it's the WOCC (thank you!)) - followed by our guest presenter. The evening then concludes with a brief, informal Eucharist. There's no other series like this at Christ Church throughout the year, and we highly encourage you to gather with us for this unique discussion and fellowship.   #lent   #Lent2026   #episcomd   #howardcountymaryland   #newperspective   #love   #loveislove

Oh God, we put our trust in You. Enhance my understanding of You. Help us count the blessings that we want. We are ever grateful for Your Presence in our lives. Let us show Your love. Open our hearts to always be ready to accept the Word into our lives. Teach me to take care of my heart, so Christ can live there. Watch over those who are suffering and help them find Your peace. Help us to hear you. Thank you for seeing something worthwhile in us. Emmanuel - “God with us” - we yearn for Your Presence, especially when we think that we don’t need it. Lord, let me experience Your Grace with our words. Grant us the faith and wisdom to better do Your will. Thank you for the gift of the meeting of hearts in this space. Help us to grow and change to be closer to you. We thirst for your love. Let us not forget how to recognize Your ongoing Presence. Give us joy in our service to others. Bring unity, justice and peace to our community, our country and our world. Give us the courage to stand up for what is right. Enable us to see with Your eyes, feel with your heart and serve with your hands. All this we ask in Your Holy Name. Amen ~ created by participants at Christ Church’s Advent Quiet Day retreat - December 6, 2025

Building Relationships through Love: The Christ Church Youth Perspective   Paul gives us a clear template for doing just that in his letter to the Corinthians, and in 1 Corinthians 13 v1-7 he describes the type of Love God calls us to, calling out the hollowness of acting without love, no matter how amazing the action.   In Youth Formation Class, we talked about Love and about how we might retell the lessons of Paul today.   If I put people down, gossip, or speak about them behind their backs, or pretend to be supportive while actually being overly critical and condensing, I do not act with love. If I lie or don’t show my true self, or do not allow others to be themselves around me, I do not act with love. If I do not listen to others or act dismissively towards them, if I do not value their relationship or put conditions on my love, I do not act with love. If I do not respect other people’s boundaries, only take from a relationship, or cause other to fear me, I do not act with love.   Love is kindness, trust, honesty, and transparency. Love is a balanced connection between people, giving and taking fairly, respecting boundaries, accepting each other for who they are. Love is sacrifice, it is putting in time and effort to truly care, listening without judgement and working to understand each other with clear, honest communication. Love is selfless, it is caring for someone else no matter what, despite how you feel in the moment. Love is a feeling of warmth, of acceptance, of connection when you know someone truly cares for you, but it is also an action in that we actively play our part in completing the relationship. Love is easy when it is with a family member or someone we already know and have a strong connection with, but love is much harder when we do not know the person well, or worse, that person has hurt us in some way.   Still, we strive to love.   ~ submitted by Stacey Frith & the Christ Church Youth